Lincoln's land grant placed both the Mariposa Grove and the Yosemite Valley in the hands of the state of California, providing precedent for the extensive national park system that would later follow. On October 1, 1890, the tracts of land around the two areas became official known as Yosemite National Park. It was combined with the regions Lincoln's grant preserved in 1906.

Around 4 million people visit the national park a year, making for a diverse assortment over its storied history. Ansel Adams, the environmentalist and photographer, dedicated much of his life and career to capturing the splendid beauty of Yosemite. During World War II, what is now the Ahwahnee Hotel in the national park served as a convalescent hospital for the Navy, making it home to sailors and marines as they recovered from their war wounds. And Queen Elizabeth II traveled to visit the famous park in 1983.

Check out a series of classic photos from the awe-inspiring region's 150-year history below.

Historical Photos of Yosemite National Park

A visitor fishes in the river with El Capitan standing tall behind him in April 1935.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Soldiers and sailors relaxed in front of the Ahwahnee Hotel, Naval Convalescent Hospital at Yosemite National Park during World War II on Aug. 16, 1943.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

A party of convalescent sailors are passing through the Wawona Tunnel Tree in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park on Aug. 13, 1943.

Image: Ernest King/Associated Press

Some of the patients of the Naval Convalescent Hospital at Yosemite National Park, Calif., view Yosemite Valley from Inspiration Point on Aug. 12, 1943.

Image: Ernest King/Associated Press

Many of the convalescent sailors and marines staying at the Yosemite National Park Naval Convalescent Hospital, Calif., during World War II, were interested in photography and Ansel Adams talked to the men on Aug. 12, 1943.

Image: Ernest King/Associated Press

Pfc. Joseph P. Clemente, U.S.M.C., of Jersey City, N.J. chats with George Whisman, right, the ship’s cook, of Portland, Ore., on the bank of the Merced River on Aug. 16, 1943.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Horseback riders and cyclists ride amid the spacious beauty of Yosemite National Park in California on June 4, 1944.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Glacier Point, photographed on June 9, 1950, is one of the most famed vistas of Yosemite National Park of the upper Yosemite Valley with Half Dome on the right and Mirror Lake, central, in the valley blow.

Image: Ernest Bennett/Associated Press

A visitor fishes in a river with mountains of Yosemite National Park in the background in 1961.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Rock climber Dean Caldwell hangs to the side of El Capitan with their baggage as he and his partner neared the top of El Capitan on Nov. 18, 1970. The two completed the 3,000-foot climb after 27 days on the side of the granite rock.

Image: Jim Dahlstrom/Associated Press

Hikers travel along the John Muir trail, near the Nevada Falls (left), on Sept. 6, 1972.

Image: William Straeter/Associated Press

Susan Ford, daughter of President Gerald Ford, learns photography from Ansel Adams at his gallery near Yosemite National Park in June 1975.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Rock climber Beverly Johnson, the first woman to climb the 3000-foot vertical granite face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, posed for pictures at a viewpoint overlooking Yosemite Valley in Calif. on Oct. 28, 1978.

Image: Zebowski/Associated Press

A visitor in Yosemite National Park, Calif. paused a moment to enjoy the breath taking view overlooking on Nov. 30, 1979.

Image: AP Photo/Associated Press

Park superintendent Bob Binnewies points out highlights from Inspiration Point to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit on March 5, 1983.

What's Hot

More in World

What's New

What's Rising

What's Hot

Mashable
is a leading source for news, information and resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's record 42 million unique visitors worldwide and 21 million social media followers are one of the most influential and engaged online communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.